DataKind-All Staff_2023

Our Story

At DataKind, we believe in the transformative power of data science and AI to create a more promising future.

Since our founding in 2012, we’ve been at the forefront of designing scalable, data-driven tools that address some of the world’s toughest challenges—ranging from frontline health, humanitarian action, climate and environment, economic opportunity, education, and more. As both a product innovator and a movement catalyst, we set new standards in the social sector, empowering organizations to harness the full potential of data science and AI while putting communities first.

 

Our journey began with a bold idea that data science could change the world. In 2010, our founders shared this vision in a blog post. The idea resonated deeply. Within a week, over 300 people joined what would become the Data for Good movement, proving the potential of this vision. Two years later, DataKind was born, turning that spark into a sustained global effort.

 

Today, DataKind continues to innovate, creating tools and solutions that are designed not just for individual organizations, but to address sector-wide challenges. Our work scales across communities, improving the ability of social impact organizations to tackle pressing issues. Support for our work has only grown, with a vibrant global community, dozens of corporations and foundations, and a talented staff on four continents. We remain a catalyst for the broader Data for Good movement, advancing the use of data science and AI to create sustainable, scalable impact for a better world.

"Our mission remains steadfast: to harness the power of data science and AI to help organizations address the world’s toughest challenges and drive lasting social impact.”
Matt Benford, Interim CEO, DataKind

Our Values

Humanity: We believe that the top priority of data science and AI should be to improve quality of life for people.

Equity: We aspire to close gaps in information and access by tailoring our work to the needs and perspectives of the people who will use it.

Innovation: We bring curiosity and creativity to the world’s toughest challenges, building responsive tools and solutions with shared expertise.

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From Data Curiosity to Community Impact: What We Learned from Data Tools for Everyone

By Shanna Lee, Senior Director, US Communities, DataKind | Jenrose Fitzgerald, Program Manager, Data for Social Impact, Washington University in St. Louis | Dan Ferris, ...
Akiko Murakami, Executive Director, Japan AISI, Japan; Jason Ruger, Chief Information Security Officer, Lenovo, USA; Kavitha Mariappan, Chief Transformation Officer, Rubrik, USA; Lauren Woodman, Chief Executive Officer, DataKind, USA; Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner, Cyber Security Services, IBM, USA; speaking in The Price of Intelligence session at the Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 14/10/2025, 11:00 – 12:00, 128 - Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre. Arena. Copyright: World Economic Forum / Deepu Das

Five Years of Progress: Reflecting on DataKind’s Evolution

By Lauren Woodman, CEO, DataKind After nearly five years leading DataKind, I’ll be stepping down at the end of this month. It’s a bittersweet moment ...
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Partner Spotlight: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Research consistently shows that food insecurity and poor health are closely linked to economic instability – affecting everything from employment continuity to long-term mobility. Addressing ...
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